001Want to get a motion to come out of executive session. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Need a motion to adjourn the uh special meeting. >> Move it. Second. >> All in favor? >> Meeting adjourned. I am now going to call to order the regular meeting of the board of education of the Udica City School District. And I would ask that we all please stand and say the pledge of allegiance. And that we have the color guard. >> Thank you. face dead arm. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> 11 Okay, we're going to take things a little out of order today. We have with us today
002student athlete recognition from Donovan and JFK modified basketball teams. Oh, I'm sorry. I took it way out of order. >> I apologize. I was so excited seeing you guys. Um, can the clerk call the role, please? >> Mr. Jason Cooper >> here. >> Mr. Donald Goss here. >> Mr. Joseph Jr. >> here. >> Mrs. Tamil N >> here. >> Mr. Braden Mannon >> here. >> Mrs. Danielle Padua >> here. >> Mr. James Paul >> here. >> And our student Heather Conception is out sick today. >> Yes. Okay. So, we're here to recognize our JFK boys modified basketball team and the Donovan M middle school basketball teams um who are here today. We have Coach Gera and Coach Garrett. The JFK boys basketball team was undefeated and the Donovan Middle School uh team from my understanding
003had only two losses and they were both to JFK. So Udica was uh undefeated against the rest of the world and we should acknowledge um their achievement just on that. [applause] >> [applause] >> It's it's my it's my understanding that many of these young men are excellent students as well. Um Mr. Gera has been the JFK coach for 11 years. He's also the varsity girls golf coach and he's also coached modified soccer for 18 years. Um they won their games by over 30 to 40 points each game and he is [snorts] um what I would consider the gold standard. He reads the kids report cards. Um he has many students on the high honor role. And not only that, but the kids are are excellent from the standpoint of um fundamentals and coach Garrett is
004also uh a highly qualified coach. um and he's done a wonderful job in making sure that his kids are not only good basketball players but good students and citizens. So, um I'd like to hear what's >> Oh, could you guys stand? >> Yeah. [applause] >> You want to You want to go over to the podium? You want to go over to the podium and give us a little uh synopsis of what you guys been doing? >> Coach Cader, you want to go first? >> Sure. >> I see them shuffle back. >> Hello. Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. Um, just go over a quick roster for the JFK boys basketball team. I had three players on the high honor role. Romelo Kaban, Alden Muhik, and Richard Enos. [applause] Honor roll. I had
005Camelo Kaban, Camello, Kaban,Wamir, Carr, Mason Mills, Aiden, Lovick, Hudson, Nuke, Ecats, >> the [applause] Can the JFK the JFK team, >> the rest of the team is Samson Lumpin, Ronnie, Emanuel, Christian Bowens, Elias Carr, and Yousef Mario. >> The JFK [applause] team, come up here. >> JFK JFK, don't be shy. I seen you play. Come right here. and our our team GPA was 85.1. [snorts] [applause] >> Mute yourself, Mrs. Padilla. >> I don't know if you heard me, but our our team GPA was 85.1 as a team GPA. [applause] >> Um, just a few quick words on my team this year. Besides being so successful in the classroom, they were they excelled on the court. Um, our team went 11-0 and we trailed in score for about 45 seconds this season and that was to
006Donovan and we quickly took the lead right back. >> Um, the boys were excellent teammates. They supported each other. They were positive all year round and their chemistry was fantastic on the court as well as off the court. um they cheered for each other and they had great sportsmanship every single game. And I'd like to go back to um one thing that was said earlier. We did not win by 30 to 40 points every game only because I do not allow them to win by 30 to 40 points a game. We reel it back. I make them run the offense. If we wanted to, we could have won by 30 or 40 points a game. And they were they were great sports on that. They uh they did a really nice job. Um I'd like
007to thank Dr. Spence, the board of education, and especially the parents of my players. They picked them up on time. They were supportive. Especially the parents that I've had the past two years. They've been fantastic. And uh thank you. Nice job, boys. I'm very proud of you. [applause] [applause] >> Can you come up for one second, please? Look at that. [applause] >> [applause] >> By the way, do do any of the kids want to say anything before uh we switch to Donovan? >> Do any of the kids want you guys want to say anything? No. >> No. >> Okay, >> Coach Garrett. Good evening >> to the board knowledge members and all people here today. Um I want to thank God first, my mom, the board of education, Dr. Spence, and um you school district
008for allowing me the opportunity to um make a difference in the lives of the kids that we um serve at Dan School and throughout the district. Um, I had the the pleasure of graduating from Proctor in 1991. Ever since then, I've been giving back to the community and the school district. Um, not only do I coach Donovan basketball, also coach Proctor varsity football. Um, and I just appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to um, help change lives. JFK, >> tough team this year. [laughter] Our two losses to them by I think 114. the other game, three points um a couple weeks ago. So, congratulations to to you guys. You guys really set the bar um real high. Uh it was a different experience for me um going from varsity to the modified level,
009dealing with the behaviors at um Donovan school, but the boys did a great job. I mean, there was there were ups and downs um but accountability was the big factor and um holding kids accountable. Um and that's something that I uh set my sights on. moving forward to actually move the district forward in coaching is to make sure that we uh holding our kids accountable and making sure that they're doing what they need to do in school. Um so other than that, I'm going keep it short and brief. Like I said, thank you guys for the opportunity to allow me to um coach and stay in the district and move this thing forward um with the kids that we serve. Thank you. [applause] >> Coach, you want to introduce your players and bring call them
010up as you your players? The players heard the do. >> Yeah. >> Oh, they're here to read the poem. Okay. >> Oh, no. Players are here for >> me. I like that. >> [laughter] >> coach. Good job. Good job, man. Thank you. >> I want to say thank you to both our coaches. Um, say quiet part out loud. We can't wait for you to go to high school to continue this success at the high school level. So, um, it it's always good to see students that are able to not only demonstrate strong academic acumen, but also show strong comportment on the on the court. And it seems that you're instilling more than just uh, you know, basketball acumen, but also real tangible values that they can take beyond the court. So, I thank you all.
011I I never was undefeated on a team like that. So, you know, I envy you all. So, thank you very much and thank you coaches. [applause] You guys are free to go if you would like. If you would like to go home and do your homework, but just remember if you stay together, [clears throat] your picture for varsity could be on here one day and we could be inviting you back years from now on the varsity team. Also remember to on your off season, you have a fantastic weight room program that is open. So, now that you no longer have practice in that time, you also have a wait room with all types of options that you should definitely explore and check out. All right, guys. Have a great night. Thank you guys for coming.
012[applause] >> Okay, so up next we have a couple of poet laurettes to read poems. We'll just wait till everyone clears. and and we have >> we have the principles from >> Donovan and >> so maybe they could introduce our poet poets. >> Yes. >> Principal de Jesus, would you introduce your students? Sure. see if I can find her. I want to make sure she's here. Come on over, Ella. So, we have a lot of, of course, wonderful students at JFK. I had called one of my social studies teachers, uh, Mrs. Heidis, and just tried to pick her brain about who she thinks would do a great job and and, um, reading a poem in in celebration of Black History Month. And of course, again, we have a lot of good students at JFK, but
013Ella Joerger is one of the best and represents everything that we value at JFK. And I want to thank her and her mother for coming out tonight to do this. It's an important uh to share an important message. Uh so I'm going to have Ella take it away. She's got a short poem uh entitled I Too from uh Langston Hughes. And uh it's a great poem. It's got a powerful message. We talked a little bit about what that message is and um and and why, you know, why we're doing this tonight. So, I'll turn it over to Ellie Eager. [applause] >> Hello, my name is Ellie Joerger and I'm an eighth grade student at JFK Middle School. During Black History Month, we learn from the voices and experiences of black Americans whose words continue to
014shape our country. Tonight, I'd like to honor that history by sharing a poem written by Linkson Hughes. I too sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me tea in the kitchen. But when company comes, but I laugh and eat well and grow strong. Tomorrow I'll be at the table. When company comes, nobody will dare say to me, "Eat in the kitchen." Then besides, they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed. I too am America. [applause] >> Good job. >> Nice job. >> If I could just interject, being from Harlem, USA, I love the fact that we um we did Langston Hughes. That's one of the books we looked at for the community readers. Just to add some context, uh the Harlem Renaissance is one of a a group of black poets has
015been carved out as one of the only group of black poets in the English cannon considered like a canonical text in English literature. So it speaks to the the the talent of that that generation and the genre and their contributions to the our lexicon and our imagination about what it means to be literate and what it means to be um wellversed in literature. that speaks to the experience and plight of African-Americans in our society. So, I I really love the fact that we are drawn upon that um as former English teachers. So, just beautiful work. >> Hi, I'm Danna Pashon. I'm the principal at Donovan Middle School and I brought three scholars with me tonight. They can come over [applause] there. Kaden Gaines, Donovan, Donovan Ayella, and Symphony Dubose. Represent. Red represents the bloodshed for
016liberation and the blood that unites all people of African ancestry. Did you know Frederick Douglas was a former enslaved man who inspired others to fight for their freedom as a leader of abolitionist movement? After becoming a free man, he publicly denounced slavery became involved in the women's right movement and became the first black man to hold several high positions in the government such as ambassador of to the Dominican Republic. In 1872, Douglas became the first black man to be nominated for vice president of the United States. My name is Donovan and I'm from Don Middle School. This poem was written from Langston Hughes. He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and communist from Joel Openen, Missouri. He is best known as leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He was born in 1901. Dreams by
017Langston Hughes. Hold it fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken wing bird that cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams for when dreams go. Life is a barren field frozen as snow. [applause] Yellow represents optimism, justice, and equality. Did you know in 1968, Shirley Chisum became the first black woman to be elected in the United States Congress and become the first black woman and person to seek the presidential nomination from a major party? My name is Symphony Dubose and I'm in and I'm from Donovan Middle School. This poem was written by Nikki Giovani. She was an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. She covered topics ranging from race and social issues to children's literature. She won numerous awards including the Langston Hughes Medal. If Black History Month is not viable, when
018wind does not carry the seed and drop them on fertile ground, rain does not dampen the land and encourage the seed to the root. Sun does not warm the earth and kiss the seedlings and tell them plain, "You're as good as anybody else, and you got a place here, too. [applause] Green. Green symbolizes the natural wealth, vegetation, and land of Africa. Did you know in 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first black woman to obtain an international pilot's license? My name is Kayen Gaines and I am from Donovan Middle School. This poem was written by Paul Lawrence Dunar. He was born in 1972 to parents who had been enslaved before the American Civil War. He began writing stories when he was a child and had his first poem published when he was 16. Sympathy by Paul
019Lawrence Dunbar. I know what the caged bird feels. Alas, when the sun is bright on the upland slopes, when the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, and the river flows like a stream of glass, when the first bird sings and the first buds, and the faint perfume from its chalice steals, I know what the cage bird feels. I know why the caged bird beats his wing till its blood is red on the cruel bars. For he must fly back to his perch and cling when he fain would be on the boa swing and a pain still throbs in the old old scars and they pulse again with a keener sting. I know why he beats his wing. I know why the cage bird sings. Ah me when his wing is bruised and his bosom
020sore. when he beats his bars and he would be free. It is not a carol of joy or glee, but a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core, but a plea that upward to heaven he flings. I know why the caged bird sings. [applause] >> Can our can our poets come up and >> Thank you for having us here tonight. Can our can our poets come up for a photo with the superintendent and the principles? >> I I I just got to say another one of my favorites, Paul Lawrence Dunbar. I I just such good selection, such good choice. I remember I did that for eighth grade oratory. We wear the mask that grins and lies. It It shades our cheek and hides our eyes. This that we played a human gal that
021we wear the mask poem. So, love the choices. Y'all evoking my inner nerd. But I do want to say that um this is so meaningful and I like the work that you've both done today. So thank you. [applause] [applause] >> GREAT JOB. [applause] THANK YOU SO MUCH. OKAY. >> OKAY. Thank you. So, we're going to continue with our meeting. So, at this point, we are honored to have a guest. We're going to welcome Tracy Goodman to the podium who's going to uh offer a rendition of Believe Lift Every Voice and Sing. You know what? Hold on. Before we start, in proper form, I ask that we all stand. >> Please. Thank you. Lift every voice and [singing] sing till earth and heaven ring ring with the harmonies [singing] of liberty. Let our rejoiceing [singing] rise
022high as the liing skies. Let it resound loud as the rolling [singing] sea. Sing [singing] a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught [singing] us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. [singing] Facing the rising sun of a new day [singing] began. Let us march on [singing] till victory. Let us march [singing] on till victory. >> [singing] >> is one. Thank you. [applause] >> So that was that was amazing. >> An amazing rendition there. Thank you very much for coming. I listen, I thought that was awesome and I'm I'm not sure why we don't have that rendition sung at more of our games. >> Just saying. [applause] >> I'm now I'm gonna be trying to sing when I go home. >> Yes. Oh my god.
023All right. So now just moving along um with it being black history, I want to take the moment to pardon, I want to take a moment to acknowledge um members of our community that have been of great service to our school district. Um, so I'm going to talk a little bit about um, Alpha Cap Alpha Sorority, but first in in due form as a member of Five Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, greetings to the women of Alpha Cappa Sorority Incorporated in proper form. Um, and and today we're we're going to honor them for their work that they've done in in the community and not just in this community, but particularly with our schools. They've wrapped their arms around our schools at Watson and Williams and really have provided uh a great degree of wraparound supports and
024services to students and it's really in um in line with their mission, their sisterhood and what they were built and predicated on. For those who need context, Camala Harris is also a member of Alphac Alpha Sorority Incorporated. So, it's a prestigious the oldest black sorority in America. Um just a powerful uh stunning group of women. Um and I would like to welcome Dr. Miner to the podium. if you could just tell us a little bit about sorority and we'll give you the award and we could clap for Dr. MARTIN. [applause] >> WELL, first I'd like to say good evening to board president and to superintendent Dr. Spence and all board members and all who are assembled here tonight. It gives me great honor to talk about this illustrious sorority. We have been around in the
025Udica area in the Mohawk Valley since 1981. We have been doing all kind of things to uplift the families in the community to empower our community as well as advocate for social justice and to uplift our sisterhood. We have been doing various activities to support our students in our school district. One of our one of our notable programs that we are currently doing is called the childhood hunger initiative power pack program. We call it CHIP as an acronym. And what we do is provide food for students every Friday for the weekend when they're not in school to receive meals. and not only on the weekend but also during winter, spring and mid- winter breaks. And I have to say we have not been able to do it alone. We appreciate our community supporters. We are
026always looking for support because it is a huge undertaking to make certain that students have food to eat when they're not in school. And we do it because we know how important it is for students who have food insecurities. It's a real issue and I appreciate all that the school district is doing also to support our mission. Fortunately, we have it at Watson Williams, but it's a program that should be in other schools as well. And if there's anything that we could do to help support something in another school in our district, we'll be more than happy happy to assist with that endeavor. But with that being said, we truly thank you. And I'd like to have all my members stand. We have now a new president and I like for her to come up
027and receive the certificate with me. I'm the past president for New Sai Omega Chapter uh Alpha Kappa Alpha News Sai Omega Chapter and these are some of our members here tonight to receive this award. >> Dr. Miner, would you have them come to the front of the uh >> the front? Okay. >> Yep. As you announce them, can you have them come to the front? >> Thank you for having us. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Whatever Dr. Ryan wants to do [laughter] >> I just want to >> just follow directions. [laughter] Don't be shy. >> I don't know. I got to make sure my hair right >> so I'm happy to present this to you all again for your hard work and dedication. [applause] You want something? Right. >> Thank you. Thank you for coming.
028>> That's okay. We'll bring we'll bring him over. >> I know, man. No games. >> All right. That's it for >> All right. That's the uh >> the I'm sorry. >> Yes. So, I'm going to start with the uh memoriam. Um, I'm gonna need a resolution um for Sherry Cooperman. Um, and I'm asking for a motion to adopt this resolution. Um, and the resolution stands as the board of education of the Udica City School District records with sorrow the passing of former employee Sherry Coopermanman. For 12 years, Miss Coopermanman was employed as a clerical clerical worker with the Udica City School District. She was known for her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations. Her contributions were essential and greatly valued by colleagues and those she served. Resolved that the board of
029education express its sincere sympathy to the family of Miss Coopermanman and that this resolution be saved upon the records of the district. I need a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion carried. I'm asking for a uh motion to approve the following resolution. The board of education of the Udica City School District records with deep sorrow the passing of Eduardo EJ Torres. EJ was a senior at Proctor High School whose presence will be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers, and all who had the opportunity to know him. His loss is felt across the school community, and we join together to remember him and honor his life. resolve that the board of education extends its sincere sympathy to the family, friends, classmates, and the Proctor High School community as they grieve this profound loss
030and that this resolution be entered into the official records of the district. Need a motion? >> Second. All in favor? Motion carries. I need a motion to adopt the following resolution. The board of education of the Yuca City School District records with deep sorrow the passing of Anasia New Bold. Anasia was a senior at Proctor High School and her passing has deeply impacted the school community. She will be remembered and honored by those who knew her and her losses felt throughout Proctor High School. resolved that the board of education extends its sincere sympathy to Anasia's family, friends, classmates, and the Proctor High School community during this time of mourning and that this resolution be entered into the official records of the district. I need a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion passes.
031Okay. like to have a moment of silence for those that have passed. We will not be having a student representative report today. Up next is public comment. Please state your name and address. The public comment portion of the board [clears throat] of education meeting is designed to give members of the public the opportunity to address the board related to school district operations. Each speaker shall be allotted three minutes to speak with the total time of public comment not to exceed 30 minutes per board meeting. The board will not be permitted in public session discussion will not permit in public session discussion involving individual district personnel or students. Persons wishing to discuss matters involving individual district personnel or students should present their comments and/or concerns to the superintendent of schools during regular business hours. All speakers
032are to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Public outbursts, criticisms, and other distractions from the speaker's presentation will also not be tolerated. Individuals who cause a disruption to the board minute will be asked to leave. It is not the practice of the board to respond during the meeting to questions posed or comments made by speakers. Therefore, while the board will certainly take any questions or comments you might have under advisement, we will not be responding tonight to any questions you may have. Up first, Dawn Lair. My name is Don Lair. I live in South Udica and I just am here. I was at the public comment on December 6 and I just wanted to thank the Udica City School District. I wanted to thank CTR. I wanted to thank the principal and if I mispronounced
033her name, Miss Padilla, I'm sorry. And everybody else that has helped the League of Women Voters select their students inside Albany. And also uh Dr. Spence and his staff. We had a great response from CTE from uh academic counselors, guidant counselors, and I have selected two winners. One of them is from Proctor High School, and I hope to have an opportunity to come back and present them officially [snorts] with their plaque before the board. and we had six other wonderful folks with potentials for next year. So I want to say thank you for that response and then I just want to switch when coach switch briefly in honor of Black History Month. I would be remiss if I did not remember my sorarity sister Magnolia Jean Davis who just passed at the age of 90.
034She was one of the first Head Start teachers. She was one of the first afroamerican [snorts] uh tenant relation students. She also was a reading content specialist. She worked at MLK. She retired in the Udica City School District after 20 years. And she continued to volunteer and be a community reader. So, if we just take a moment to thank her presence, I deeply appreciate that and thank you for your opportunity. Goodbye. [applause] >> Up next, >> Howard Potter, 1138 Hilton A. Since we are in talks about our school district budget, I had some questions. Number one, how are we coming with the coding for our accounts? Number two, mentioned in the federal audit, they were concerned about us reconciling our accounts in a timely manner. Is this up to date in order to give budget
035projections? Number three, after not receiving the 3.2 million in ESRE grant funding, have we figured out a way to recoup said funds? Number four, it is my understanding that we are waiting on New York State grant approval for a little over 8 million in funding for the 2025 2026 school year. Do we know when that may be approved? Number five, another concern in the federal audit was keeping track of all of our school district equipment to help with recordkeeping of our equipment as it ages along with the depreciation projections. Have we taken care of this? Number six is the $5 million transfer for technology to make up for last year and this year's investments into tech. Number seven, CTE TAS is 300K and is about 11 to 12 TAS. That is that is in the
036budget for this year. If it if they are car is this being carried over from last year's budget, why are we asking for three more three more new TAs in the new budget? Number eight. After foiling the water board on our school district's payment history, I learned of numerous late fees totaling $16,000 over the past three years. How does this district budget for late fees? And do we know why this is happening? Lastly, I spoke at the last board meeting and brought up concerns yet again about safety improvements since a young lady was struck by a vehicle speeding in front of Proctor and no one that handles the day-to-day operations has followed up with my concerns as of yet. Thank you all for your time tonight and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Uh, Matthew
037Kilborn. >> I have to call him. Matt. >> Yes. >> Joel Ba. Hey, >> how are you? >> Good. I'm You're on uh you're on speaker. >> Okay. >> I'm at the board I'm at the board meeting. It's uh we finally reached you for public comment. >> Yep. >> You ready to go? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Matt Matt Kilborn, uh 158 Hobart Street. Sorry if you can hear my son in the background. Um, I just want to I just wanted to state a few things. Um, I know I'm not supposed to speak about anybody specifically, but uh, in New York in New York State, schoolboard meetings are governed by the open meetings law and first amendment principles, which generally protect your right to speak during public comment periods on public matters on ma matters
038of public concern. However, boards can impose reasonable contentneutral rules like time limits requir requiring comments to relate to district business, but they cannot discriminate based on viewpoint. Meaning they cannot allow praise of a person or policy while silencing criticism of the same. And as I recall, somebody just praised somebody on this um on the public comment. So, um, I'd like to continue by stating, um, how is it fisc fiscally responsible for the district to reimburse for fuel to and from work? Who gets it and why? Why is it fiscally responsible for Uber rides at 2 a.m. in New Orleans? Who's getting these and why? Why is it fiscally responsible for food bills totaling 400,500 upward to $1,000 a week, but we have to fund raise for kids pizza parties and almost 200,000 education for a
039doctor? Why is speech suppressed? Who is accountable for this policy? What and where are the suspension rates? Why won't we release them? Is it because it would make us look bad? Who is still wasting the Udica Police Department's time? Who knows? Why does New York State Department of Education have three investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse? Why is it a is it hard to find and keep honest staff and administrators? And also the icing on the cake, the one that pisses me off the most. Why is there a known pervert still teaching at Proctor? >> The end of my comments. Y'all have a great one. Thank you. Thanks, Matt. >> Well, that's the end of our public comment. Let's move on. Uh time for our treasur. >> Good evening everyone. Uh so for my tax
040report as I mentioned the last meeting I was expecting the final installment from the city uh which we received on January 28th uh which was an amount of 2,675,53383. I'm proud to report that we are now paid in full uh for our 2526 school taxes from the city. Um, I've also included in your board packets for your review uh the general fund budget status reports the uh cafeteria fund budget status reports and all cash uh balances for all district accounts for the month ending November 30th, 2025. Uh does any questions? >> All right. >> Thank you very much, guys. Um, can I ask for a fivem minute recess? >> Sure. >> Before the budget presentation. Need a second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Five minute recess. Second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed. >>
041We're now out of recess. Um, up to the podium would be Robinson. >> Welcome, Rob. >> You state your name? >> Robinson, East Udica. Um, I have a safety concern for the students at Albany Elementary. I've spoken to Mr. Dodge, great guy, great teachers, but Adam Street is becoming chaotic. Twice in two weeks, my truck has been struck by parents' vehicles. I've come in and said something. Nothing's being done. Mr. Dodge says his hands are tied. He can't put nobody outside. One side street's clearly marked. No parking during school hours. You not only have them parked on both sides, you got them parked in the middle all the way down Adam Street, which is bottlenecking. My fear is somebody's child is going to get hurt because these kids are trying to get between cars to
042get to their moms and dads. So, it was suggested for me tonight come down and bring it to the board's attention. There's no crossing guard there. You know, we had a great one. Something happened. He left. I've spoken to parking authority there. It's out of my hands. So, what can the board do to ensure the safety of these children? >> And like this man said about Proctor, >> we had an accident over there. I mean, I understand school board's hands are tied on a lot of things, but we're actually talking about someone's child potentially stopping a crisis because like I said, you got parents out there smoking pot. I brought that to his attention. Nothing we can do. It's in the road. You got kids running between cars. You got cars flying up and down
043the street. It's a one-way street. >> So, what can we do to keep our children safe? >> Well, thank you for uh sharing that with us. What was the name of the street again? >> Adams. Adams. >> Adams. Okay. >> I made this probably the wrong form to bring this, but I've tried to call Mr. Spence. I understand he's a busy man. I spoke to the secretary. She said, "Come down for open forum." So, I'm here. Like I said, I talked to Mr. Dodge several times. He says, "My hands are tied." They send a deputy out there. He does nothing. His thing is, "My hands are tied. I can't write tickets." So, how can we solve this? There's only supposed to be parking for the parents cuz the curb cuts in. Mr. Dodge sent memorandum
044out to the parents and teachers. Teachers park in the back lot. They're still not doing it. I mean, you know, luckily my child's fortunate enough where she get in my vehicle because I'm next to curb, but what about little Tommy? He's trying to get to his dad, gets clipped by a car. Who's going to apologize to this parent? Theology ain't going to do it. And I'm not trying to be harsh on the board. But this is frustrating. I've gone all the steps and it's basically all the same thing. My hands are tied. I mean, this is getting to be chaotic there. I mean, I don't know if you know Ad Street, it's not that wide. It's only one way coming down and you can pull into the front of the school at the bottom. Everything's
045getting bottlenecked. You got cars blocking. You got parents arguing. I don't want my daughter seeing this. I sent her to Albn has got high ratings. Like I said, all teachers are great. Mr. Dodge, great guy, but he's claiming his hands are tied. >> Well, I I appreciate you sharing that with us. Um, I'm not familiar with Adam Street, so I don't know. And I don't really I mean, we're not really supposed to get into a discussion, but and and Okay. >> But the board doesn't know, the board can't rectify it. >> Well, we appreciate you sharing it with us and we will ask that it be evaluated, I guess, is the only way I can put it. I'm sorry, but >> All right, that's fine. As long as you all know what's going on there,
046it can be fixed. I know it's going to be fixed tomorrow or the next day, but like I said, it's getting chaotic and something's going to happen. >> When you got parents arguing in the middle of the street cuz they're blocked in, this is not something our children's had to deal with. >> Well, I I appreciate you sharing that with us and as I said, we now are have become aware of it. >> All right. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Oh yeah. [applause] >> I could use one. >> No, I don't. [clears throat] Okay, good evening everyone. Good evening to the board. Good evening to the viewing audience to everyone here. Um, so again in in proper form, I'm going to provide two updates today. One is just a general update regarding,
047you know, some things key happenings in the district and then we'll transition into the budget uh presentation. So like everything we've done, we've been really good stewards of ensuring that we are centering all activity within the organization on continuous improvement. And the reason why when we look at the mission and vision we focus on continuous improvement be is because we have we're looking at a very large complex organization over about approximately 2,000 employees about approximately 10,000 students and our job is the most critical and most impactful work in the fact that we have to take our students and help them reach their full potential based on how they arrive with us and the supports and levers that we have at our disposal to help ensure that we can fully educate them. So, like any urban
048district, as I've worked in Buffalo, Rochester, so many across New York State, there will always be things that we have to focus on and we take that feedback and we use that to create feedback loops to get better over time. Our goal is always to be better than next year. Again, we align our mission and vision as you've seen this year. We continue to do that because this is really at the center of what we're here to do and what we hope to achieve and the road we're going to take to get there. Last year we really we really began the uh uh actually not even last year. We began this fiscal year with really developing some instructional goals and priorities which have been our guiding light as in regards to what it is that
049we hope to achieve as an organization this year and how are we going to hold ourselves accountable for moving the organization forward. We looked at the six tenants of the DTSDE framework which really outlines the specific areas that denote a school success or a district success and we developed goals in tandem with that framework so that we can really look from this very um uh strategic lens in regards to how the district is performing. Because we did that work, we aligning that with our mission, vision and instructional priorities and everything is designed to help support those goals. One of the things that we're looking at is we're doing a book study with our administrators to really look at the opportunity structure. So there's a book discrimination in Lee public schools investigating Buffalo that really speaks
050to the uh way opportunities are structured within systems at large. So as a school system we intentionally try to deploy many levers to help students rise to the occasion. Whether it's ancillary support such as the system of care or whether we are providing credit recovery. All of these are levers that we use our resources to help educate our students and meet them where they're at and provide greater opportunities because we are creating a new choice program. We have our newly adopted CTE program. We're really trying to shift our thinking from looking at how do school systems function as a mechanism to help improve or to help produce favorable outcomes. So this study, we chose this book because it's run number one, New York State. So it's a New York State school. Same framework in terms
051of accountability status and the way things are structured. And then we're also looking at this in regards to how our district can is structured. So it's a case study. It's a it's a book that we're looking at. It'll help us to inform our structural analysis of the district and really again shift us to a systems thinking as an organization. So again on Saturday I talked about the uh Lucas uh framework of effect Samuel Lucas he has posits the effectively maintained inequality which really states that as access to education expands inequality doesn't disappear it shifts into more subtle and qualitative norms. So when we think about as a district the work that we do to expand opportunities and structures and we say we're doing this we're doing that how can inequities persist there's a lot more
052nuance to that work and this is going to provide us with the systems level thinking now to be clear that means we are trying to intentionally ensure that all kids have the opportunity to be successful let me say that again because I I just feel I got to say it right all kids we're not leaving anybody behind we're not focused on a spe a specific group. We are looking at the ways in which the system itself takes in the children and is designed to promote the uh the the the the children's opportunities which is why we've invested in the RED program which is why we've invested in literacy and we are working to strengthen supports because if we can get the children early which is also a board goal early literacy then we will be
053able to uh diminish any of the effects of not properly having skills that we see later on. So, it's really a cultural shift. It's really a systems level analysis. And this is a good book. I'd encourage all to read and look into this work because again, it's situated in a New York State context when a system that's comparable to the system like uh the UDICA, also a member of the Big Five. So, we're engaged in that work and we'll be looking at this and speaking about it in our admin council. My admin council at uh 3 to that that's held between 3:30 and 6:00. my administrators stay there in the evening. I just want to give them a shout out for doing that work. I also had the opportunity to speak to the joint legislative
054hearing at the um executive executive elementary and secondary education budget when we really uh got an opportunity to um really number one highlight the district the work that our faculty and staff are doing to move the district forward but also advocate for the priorities that are specific to Udica like our expansion of our CTE you know um need more mental health supports things like that and it was a really great opportunity because I was able to or on a larger scale the needs of other systems. I think one of our challenges is being in a in a very local context in the broader scheme of things. We received um favorable appraise from some of the elected officials that said, you know, we're really happy with the things that you're doing in and Udica and it
055seems that there's um good things occurring. And so it was just a great opportunity advocate for the district, also advocate for uh our needs. And then lastly, I want to just recognize a historic milestone in district leadership. you know, it was this board that hired me and I am the first black superintendent in the district's history. And this is a milestone. And I think it's a milestone because when we think about black history, we think about um uh barriers that African-Americans have historically struggled with in the United States context, access to opportunities, the way opportunities are structured, as what I alluded to, barriers. So, it's in 2024 to be the first African-American superintendent. It's been a pleasure and I'm just hoping that more kids will believe that they can reach their potential and aspire to
056do the things that they want to do. A lot of times you have to see it to believe it. And so like to thank the board for their work and and partnership as we've been working to lead this district. And that concludes this presentation here. [applause] Okay. So, we uh again I want to thank the school board for coming out on a frigid Saturday morning to do the budget workshop. Um I I do want to say that I I thought the the questions were really good, very good questions. um really deep discussion about a lot of things that we talked about opportunity a lot of you know making sure our kids have the best um resources and our faculty and staff have the best resources to do their very important work. So again I want
057to thank you all for coming out um really a great highlevel discussion from my from my standpoint. So again we talked about the mission and vision. I want to go to where we left off. Um, so the one slide we didn't get to was the unified sports and elementary club opportunities. And again, I just want to preface um this statement before I go into the budget. Right now, what we did is just a refresher, we looked at a basically a global analysis of the organization. We did a structural analysis of the organization and we looked to see what are areas that we need to strengthen in the organization and what are uh such as maybe professional development opportunities and where are uh or building leadership which we talked about the addition of um assistant principles
058to help with leadership and we really looked at that within a framework. When we do this work this very specialized work we we don't just throw things at the budget. It's based on looking at data. is based on looking at organizational need and it's a theory of action of how we believe we can support the organization and move students forward. So that is what inspired the development of of the budget. Um we again are early in the process and we are looking to refine it. So we are still going to refine it and and and make a little bit smaller um in areas but this is just uh overall thinking. So, we would like to also add unified elementary sports um in the uh uh uh and opportunities for our students as well as bowling.
059And this is really designed to foster inclusion with our uh special education students. We're also looking at creating robotics club at elementary school to really help foster interest into our new career pathways for CTE, etc., etc. again a focus on early elementary um uh education and really strengthening that as our foundation for the district. Now, as we move into um what we're here to talk about tonight, uh special education, special schools, library, audio, visual, athletics, and benefits, this particular call center, you'll notice a 6.6% increase. And what I'm going to transition to now is I'm going to have Mr. DEL come speak to these things and we'll talk about some of these increases. M could you pass me my Okay. All right. >> This is this is not my actual notes. So you'll see in
060the special education we're looking to add a teacher. We're also looking to um you'll see cost of uh the cola increases within that particular cost center. Special schools is both driven really summer school aid. So you'll see that based on usage. Not much to change with the libraries. And then we also investing in an interchoolic sports. Thank you. So y'all got to keep the one with the notes. This is the one >> that's that's our library, correct? Not a public library. >> Yes, that's our library. Thank you for the distinction. And in the inter school scholastic athletics, we're looking to add uh intramural um salaries there. One of the things that we are uh I had an I had an opportunity to kind of see um our our programming from a from uh and we
061we we definitely are going to invest to make sure that we can um have athletes that are that are in a pipeline to get them to where we need them to be. So I'll say that um we've did receive a wattage grant but now we need to maintain the salaries moving forward. The wattage grant got the equipment for those things. So that's with the inter school athics athletics that's what that infrees makes most of now going to transition to talk about the different district benefits which is a large portion of our uh overall budget. And then again to be clear the budget's not that complex. We're not laying staff off. We're not reducing programming. It's really not that much that we're moving over from year to year. So where there is room, we try to
062add initiatives if we can expand, but year over budget to budget, it's not that much there in terms of the overall slice of the pie because municipalities, most of your budget is going to be people, salaries and benefits. I'll allow Mr. Dry to expand upon this point. >> Hello. Going to talk a little bit about the benefits portion of the budget. As Dr. Spence mentioned it's a very large portion of our general fund budget representing about 54 cents per dollar of salary. Do we have that? >> Thank you. So these are the categories of the general fund budget that deal with our benefits for both employees and retirees. Our A9010, that's state retirement. So that's our non-instructional employees. That's the district's contributions to the pension fund for non-instructional employees. The average rate is going from
06316.5 to 17.6% of ERS salaries. >> Dave, that that's dictated to us, correct? >> That is so that's dictated down to us from the state. Uh actuarial assumptions at the pension level, they determine what the contribution limit what the contributions need to be. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Uh A9020, teachers retirement, the TRS portion of that, that's our instructional uh staff. That rate is going down from 9.59 to 8.24. 24% of TRS salaries. A9030 social security. That's pretty straightforward. FICA amount. >> I'm sorry to interrupt again, but the TRS that's dictated to us. >> That that is also >> Does it go up and down? >> Yes, it does. And under the same uh principles in that it's an actuarial projection based on performance of their uh funds uh their assumptions of lifespan and those kind
064of things. >> Okay. Thanks. Uh A9040 workers compensation. So we work closely with our thirdparty provider NCA comp to look at projected costs and project them continually. Uh A945 life insurance. This is something we previously housed in A9060. We felt uh for increased transparency and tracking that we would break it out into A9 A9045 which is the state's uh coding for life insurance. So in this presentation where you see 2526 for life insurance, we've just carved that out for presentational purposes from health insurance. A9050 unemployment insurance, same thing. We review uh trend, we review benefit levels set by, you know, the state uh to determine what we need to benefit in that area and of course that's a projection forward. Uh A9060 health insurance. So as Dr. Spence mentioned uh these are continuing figures. We
065do not have a set rate for the following year, but we need to keep projecting in good financial practice and project our costs going forward. So, this is our best review with GKG to give you an idea of the timeline. This has not been set yet. >> Is that the overall cost without taking into account the the contributions from any employees? >> That's taking into account the contributions from employees. So our obligation >> is 35 million from the district side of it. >> That's correct. >> And that's more money than we collect in revenue from the city of from our residents. >> Yes, we connect collect 30 million I forget the approximately 30 million. >> So that's almost $6 million more. >> Yes. >> Is what it's projected at. >> Yes. >> Interesting. >> Okay.
066Uh >> is there any way to reduce that >> obligation? >> There are many factors. The largest of course is claims cost. Uh that that number is going to follow claims cost. Those two are hard to uh be distinct from each other. >> Would different plans allow us to reduce the overall cost for the district and for our employees? Uh certainly uh lower lower plans uh can do that. Of course, that's a negotiated factor, but absolutely. >> I'm aware of that, but >> yes, they would. >> Thanks. >> Uh and just to reiterate timeline, uh we anticipate getting the actuarial report in March and bringing it forth for uh board consideration in April. Any questions on the benefits portion? All right. Next up is our first fora into the revenue side of the budget. We're
067going to talk about state aid and state aid projections. Um state aid is a considerable part of our revenue operating budget. So these are the categories within our state coding and A3101 basic formula. We're projecting an 11 million increase in that area. Now, the two largest group or portions of that aid are foundation aid and transportation aid, and they represent the largest portions of the increase. So, we're currently projecting $5.7 million increase in foundation aid and a $5.8 million increase in transportation aid. First one's foundation aid, second one's transportation aid. The transportation aid is a reimburseable aid. Uh we're currently at 90% which is the state maximum reimbursement rate for aidable transportation expenditures and that's a direct reflection of the district's increased investment in transportation services. A3103 that is also a reimburseable aid. That's our
068Bosey's aid. Uh we're anticipating a 7 almost 7.4 $4 million increase in Bosey's aid and again that's a direct reflection of district investment in program and leveraging Bosey's aidable services that produce that revenue. A 3260 3262 and 3263 that's a basket of aids referred to as instructional materials aids uh marginally increased but those are in the areas of textbook computer software and hardware and library. Uh, in total for our state aid groupings, again, we're looking at about an 18.9 million current projection for state aid increases. I'd like to also reiterate this is the governor's budget and our best guesses, best guesses when I say that it takes a tremendous amount of diligent work to get to those guesses. Our best projections is what I should refer to it as, uh, about $18.9 million. Again, the
069three largest factors that make up that $18.9 million, foundation aid, transportation aid, and BOSI's aid. Any questions on the state aid side? Now, it's just Okay. >> All right. So, where we are now, we presented our overall ideas. We um received really good feedback from the board particularly around our summer program and things like that. Very good feedback. So now the next step for us as an administration is we're going to go look at the budget. We're taking that feedback and we're going to refine it and then present a budget again to the board to say these are the things that we have discussed. These are the things that we heard and this is what our spending plan is that we recommend for the board to adopt >> based off of Saturday's feedback. >> Yes.
070based on Saturday's feedback, questions that we have received and also organizational need. Um, and and we're we're the com the complex part about it is there's a set pot of money. There's a lot of varying needs and what we're doing is we're developing a strategy no different than a basketball coach or a basketball team. We are developing a strategy to say what what levers can we create or expand that will provide or promote student achievement and support the organization more broadly. So that's the the magic of it and we do that work sitting as a team. Um and again we're getting constant feedback as that feedback loop we talked about. So when we come back again we're taking in consideration feedback from all areas and we'll present something for the board to finally do >>
071including additional feedback from the board. No board gets no more say. No board [laughter] now. Of course. Of course. Of course. Of course. We'll be more female. Yes. >> All right. Thank Thank you very much. >> I I did want to I I apologize, but one of the questions that was raised was what what um mechanism would you like the board to follow in terms of turning um feedback in? >> Well, that's a great question. If we can get the questions in advance, what we'll do is if um I think we have two I think what we did last week where we provided the questions in advance and then we were able to respond to them and then once we develop the next product then there may spawn more questions which is good because it
072really lends to fruitful conversation. I I I was bragging about I was like this was really great work because in order for us to do what we have to do we have to discuss real critical concepts. You can't develop a budget unless you're talking about race, class, inequities, opportunities, and all of that comes into it. So, appreciate the work you did, but getting questions in advance if something doesn't make sense and then we'll get the questions back to you and if there are more questions developed, we'll take that feedback into consideration and keep moving. >> Okay. There I I do believe that after Saturday, everyone had so much fun that they were thinking about having another budget workshop. >> I don't know if we have that much. >> I I know I had a lot
073of fun. No, I thought it was very [clears throat] healthy conversation. I and I think it got all of our >> wheels spinning and great in ideas around academic achievement and you know scaling back on some things, focusing more you know during the academic school year things like that. So I want to keep those conversations >> but I do think that there are some topics that we may want to discuss that we have >> not a Saturday >> guys. [laughter] >> What about a Sunday? Yeah, >> I think that it would be beneficial to have another budget workshop to kind of go early in >> March to go >> before the board. >> Yeah. Early in March >> because >> Yeah. very early in March. would would anyone >> going through those having a budget
074workshop then that way if there's a couple particular items of >> I don't want to use the word contention but if there's a couple items of potential disagreement on the board before March 24th uh I think the administration could then uh portray those to the board as alternatives >> we'll circulate we'll circulate some dates I I think you're I mean Braden you and I are Right. So, we're going to schedule one. Just kidding. >> No, get your Here, we'll do it right now. >> Can we um >> I don't want to do it right now. >> Circle back to that one just so make sure administration is ready. >> Okay. >> All right. So, we're going to have another budget workshop. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. And thank you all, >> Dave.
075Thanks. By the way, you made a very complex uh issue or complex theory. Well, it's a lot. >> It is. >> Okay. Having gotten through the superintendent presentation and the budget update, up next we have PTO, PTA, shared decision making, student councils, CSSE chairs, title one, UTA. >> Hi, UTA. Uh, good evening. My name is Denise Collins and I'm the treasurer of the UTA. First of all, as Mi Mr. Regowski indicated in January speech, the UTA is increasing its presence throughout the community through political action and volunteerism. On February 6th, per practice, Scott and I were afforded half-day union business to attend the Central New York Labor Council 2026 legislative breakfast. Not only did we meet with our local union brothers and sisters, but also local politicians. We sat with and listened to the keynote
076speaker, Congressman John Manion. Our NIST questions were answered by the Q&A panel of Senator Griffo, Assemblywoman Buttonshan, Assemblyman Miller, and County Executive Picanti. Retired and current UTA members will be making beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace on February 28th. As stated last month, UTA members will join other NISTIT members in Albany on Sunday, March 8th at the MVP Arena for the fixed tier 6 rally. I will also be attending the NIST committee of 100 to discuss educational needs with New York State representatives and other NIST members on March 9th and 10th. In addition, UTA members will be walking in the St. Patrick's Day parade and will be handing out NIST donated books along the route. The UTA continues to discuss with administration issues and needs through various collaborative meetings such as labor, the Udica teacher
077center, committee for academic excellence, and professional development plan committee. While all issues are discussed, we are hopeful that the UTA's voice as an important stakeholder continues to be heard and we work toward resolutions and programs together. The UTA and SEIU continue its work as allies to discuss and explore ideas that would assist with student and staff safety. All interested parties will be meeting on Thursday, February 12th for a workplace violence committee. We will we while we commend the district for having a workplace violence policies and procedures in place, we feel that the next steps of remediation after violence occurs continues to be an area of need. The UT the UTA knows that recruitment continues to be a priority by our human resources team. However, retainment continues to be an issue with our members. There are
078systemic issues such as tier six members who cannot see the 40-year career requirement is sustainable. There are staff members who are struggling with our toughest and most violent students who do not consistently feel supported. Related service members are often covering for peers in addition to their workload without compensation. as our school counselors continue to do at Donovan and our social worker at JFK continues to do as well. Others are covering resignations or medical leaves through involuntary transfers without board of the board of education being notified as is the practice for all other members in our teacher union. Members are voicing concerns about inability to re receive reimbursement from our flex spending accounts for covered costs. We are a great district with wonderful students and exceptional staff. Day after day, UTA members come to work and
079are ready to affect change and support our students. We want to support administration on district-wide improvements, but want to always be included as the important sta stakeholders that we are. We do our best to be Udica united for every student every day. Thank you. [applause] ARE you out of your mind? >> Sorry. >> Here comes air. >> Yes. You need to change that. >> Okay. So, we have SEIU Local 200. >> And I didn't say the B. >> Yeah, but the B's on the agenda. We have to change that. >> My name is Christina Sutter. >> Oh, press the button. >> The bar. >> Okay. Sorry. My name is Christina Sutter and I am the TA chair of the SEIU Local 200 United. In the past three weeks, we have attended two meetings, a budget
080workshop as well as held anformational membership meeting of the TA division. We are reminded that we there are processes for suggestions and to have our concerns heard. We and we have engaged in those areas. We do acknowledge that we are in the learning process as newly elected leaders in our organization. We are eager to take our seat at the table. We are anxiously awaiting confirmation of a proposed meeting of our leadership, our HR director Sarah Clem and Superintendent Dr. Spence to discuss the concerns raised by our members. Our proposed solutions may not solve all of the issues we face. However, we feel it is a small step in the right direction. It will help ease the stress and increase it will help ease the stress and increase the overall morale of our members as well
081as enforce that the Udica City School District and board do value and appreciate the hard work and double triple duty that the special education TAs perform daily. We know and acknowledge that a lot of you here today understand and agree that we need answers solutions to these issues. We thank all of you for listening and keeping us in the conversation. We are underst staffed, underpaid, and quite frankly tired. And in spite of all of this, we come we return to the classroom daily with a positive attitude and a smile because we are all here for our students. Every small step is a positive change and only happens when we work together. Please help us help you through small steps to create and maintain an environment that is conducive to the health and safety of our
082staff, but most importantly to the students who deserve nothing less than that. We as a group of paraprofessionals want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the daily and unwavering support of our teachers of the UTA. Thank you and good night. [applause] [applause] Thank you. Mohawk Valley Buildings and Trades. Okay. Um, up next is the superintendence report. >> Make a motion to go into executive session to discuss legal updates, uh, legal opinions and the employment history of particular persons. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Post. Oh yeah.